Galician Small Sardines in Olive Oil

Ar de Arte is a Galician conservas producer doing things the old way — and in the case of these small sardines, that means grilling. Most tinned sardines are steamed before packing; Ar de Arte's are washed in sea water and roasted on the grill first, which gives them a depth of flavour and a slightly smoky, caramelised quality that you simply can't get any other way. Each sardine is then placed in the tin by hand. It's a labour-intensive process, and the result is worth every bit of it.

Galicia's Atlantic coastline produces some of the world's finest sardines — cold, nutrient-rich waters, small boats, and a conservas tradition that goes back generations. These small sardines are packed in olive oil with nothing but salt: three ingredients, zero shortcuts. Eat them on toast with good butter and a squeeze of lemon, alongside pickled peppers and a glass of Albariño, or straight from the tin as the finest possible snack. At 110g, one tin is a generous serving for one or a shared starter for two.